University of Helsinki - A Leading European University

Internationally high standard of scientific research

The University of Helsinki especially profiles an internationally high standard of scientific research and doctoral education. It is the only Finnish university listed in the League of European Research Universities (LERU), which was founded in 2002.

The high standard of research is borne out by Centres of Excellence, academy professor and research fellow positions, the Finland Distinguished Professor Programme (FiDiPro), and researchers who have received funding from the European Research Council (ERC).

In 2009

• 26 National Centres of Excellence operate at the University in two Academy of Finland research programmes.
• Six Nordic Centres of Excellence also operate at the University: two of them in molecular medicine, three in the humanities and social sciences, and one in welfare state studies.

In 2008

• seven University of Helsinki researchers received highly competitive ERC funding
• five received an Advanced Investigator Grant, and
• two received a Starting Independent Researcher Grant.

Research funding at the University of Helsinki comprises State funding, the University’s internal resources, and external supplementary funding.

The University of Helsinki has been highly successful in competing for Finnish and international research funding. About 60% of the University’s research funding comes from external sources, the major ones being the Academy of Finland, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES), and EU framework programmes.

The University also plays an active role in the Strategic Centres for Science, Technology and Innovation (SHOK). SHOKs offer a new way for top research units and companies utilizing research results to collaborate closely and to implement jointly determined research plans.

In recent years, the University has vigorously developed doctoral education in collaboration with national and international actors. In 2008, 466 Ph.D.s graduated from the University. In 2007-2011, the University of Helsinki is coordinating 33 graduate schools, with 12 coordinators as well as 62 doctoral student places funded by the Ministry of Education. Thirty of the graduate schools are national and three operate internally. The University also supports doctoral education by providing its own funding for 60 doctoral student places.

Read more on the online news service about:

FiDiPro professors >>
European Research Council funding >>